One of the most exciting mysteries of the story of creation is that when all creatures were created they each were according to their own/same kind YET on the sixth day God said – now let us make man according to our likeness.

“Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” Genesis 2:7 NLT

Accordingly, humanity is unique among all God’s creations, having both a material body and an immaterial Spirit. Our Spirit resembles that of God, as He breathed Himself into us. Thus we are Like Him in Spirit, God is Spirit (John 4:20).

This Spirit sets us apart from all that was created, it enables us to commune with God in fellowship and with the rest of creation through dominion.

“For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 NLT

What does this mean then? It means this likeness is reflected at three levels Mentally (think/mind), Socially (relate) and Morally (live).

We resemble God mentally because we can reason and choose. This is a reflection of God’s intellect and freedom.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13 NIV

We are created for fellowship. This reflects God’s triune nature and His love. In Eden, humanity’s primary relationship was with God.

“So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us.”

1 John 2:24‭-‬25

Our conscience or “moral compass”, is an indication that we are created in righteousness and perfect innocence, a reflection of God’s holiness. His Spirit in us guides us and is our moral compass.

“Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 NLT

God is revealed in these areas of our lives as we walk in His Likeness and he guides us in all truth. He enables us to be the reflection of His likeness in how we think, relate and live.

This is how the world needs to see His likeness in us – how we need to see ourselves – so we can all experience God in His very nature through us – His children.

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My Lady,

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1: 27

This is one of the hardest Scriptures for us to process, especially as young women. This is because the world has socialised us to be so self-conscious, in fact we almost border on obsession on how we look. Whether it is the face, body, hair, somehow, we find that media sets a standard that we all strive to meet yet so difficult to attain. What this ignores is that we are in fact, in our very essence, made inthe image of God.

When we think of image, we think a reflection of something, or its representation or impression. It is what is physically perceived of another. The most interesting part is that, after God committed to creating man in His (triune) own image, he then gathers the dust to form men. He uses what is and creates something that isHis image,then breathes life into it.

This illustrates that our form, just as our spirit is inthe image of God– our bodies are the image of God – as it was in the coming of our Lord Jesus, the Word became flesh (John 1:1).

WE ARE THE IMAGE OF GOD.

“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in bodily form.” Colossians 2: 9

We therefore need to understand that the reason the enemy uses how we see ourselves as a tool is because, this is the image that represents Him through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Some of us have been victims of words that have been spoken over our images whether it is the appearance, size or shape and can attest to the depth of these words and how they influenced what we do or not do. This even goes as far as things that are unrelated to our image like grades at school or participation in certain sports. This is because when you have a negative self-image, it is difficult to build your confidence and therefore almost impossible to allow God to minister through us.

We tend not only to look down on ourselves but also on God’s capacity to use vessels such as us. We therefore must obsess now about accepting theIMAGEwe were created with despite all the influences we get outside ourselves.

What you see in your reflection has everything God needs to lead you to your destiny. Your shape doesn’t confuse Him – He knows why He created you and that has not changed. Allow Him to define you and allow yourself to be a reflection of His image. Though Imperfect according to social standards, but perfect in His eyes –You are wonderfully and fearfully made (Psalm 139: 14-15)

Look out for the our conversation when we will be expanding on His Likeness, you don’t want to miss it…

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It couldn’t have been otherwise for there is none like her…. The day itself could not accommodate her majestic history…

A time of awakening, revelation and introspection. With the passing of Mam’Winnie and having listened to many who have shared their opinions and messages of condolences has made me sooo aware of my own limited thinking and ways.

Lebo Mashile said yesterday that “we need to be committed lifelong to the work of not just recording our stories but the stories of our mothers of our grandmothers of the women who have influenced us and impacted our lives because without that it means that our legacies are left in the hands of people who hate us literally.”

The preservation of ones history is not a matter to be taken lightly. It has the fibre, the DNA of who you are as a person. When you recognise that, even when you’re wondering and lost you can draw from that wealth and remember who you are.

Mam’Winnie knew she was the princess of Pondoland a beautiful black Xhosa women ( Aahh Nobandla!), that was ingrained in her and was not going to be swayed from that. Her truth was not going to bow down to power.

We’ve been saying “I am Winnie”, do we fully comprehend the depth of that? I for one want to explore it.

Few can break the shackles of the master …. A handful can look the monster in the eye.. Not all would lay their lives for the life of the nation

For now I’ll say “I am of the people” of Nomzamo Winifred Madikizela Mandela.

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Day 8 – What are you afraid to ask for? What do you need to speak up about?

There’s inspiration in the air today.. We are celebrating International Women’s day.

There has been various activities and demonstrations in various places, one in particular that resonates with most women without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political it is the #MeToo movement.

One of it’s co-founders describes it as: “The start of a larger conversation and a movement for radical community healing.” It is about giving people a voice, to empower women through empathy, especially young and vulnerable women.

The movement has elevated the global consciousness surrounding the obstacles women encounter in their daily lives, both personal and professional.

With Day 8 of 31 the question is WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID TO ASK FOR? WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SPEAK UP ABOUT?

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As we come out of the month that is widely celebrated as the month of love; the kind of love that is directed Outward, of giving and embracing others in love.

Let us take the time now and direct it Inward, refill ourselves so that we are overflowing with love that transcends any parameters of time and occasion.

Every evening this month of March, from today we will be posting thought provoking questions, statements; that will allow us to journey into a place where loving ourselves is the norm and we are comfortable with being who we are just as God intended.

Do take the time to participate even in the privacy of your personal journal, start this great revolution and make a statement that will set you apart in this generation.

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“when he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them,”

There is something in each of us that just does not let us go. Like waves, it doesn’t matter how much we try to suppress it, as it gets closer it gains momentum almost to a point of consuming us – this is the call of purpose. It is a relief to know that it is not meant to consume us but to fulfill us. Nothing gives me peace, more than knowing that I can trust God to take me to it and carry me through it. The challenge we always face in living purposeful lives is that there is always an alternative and I dare say the alternative always looks less complicated and less sacrificial BUT it always leaves us crying for more. This is why we keep trying and pushing even when it seems hopeless.

After a beautiful hot day, when the clouds gather with rain, they seem so impenetrable that if we didn’t know better, we would not believe water would soon be falling opening clear skies once again. Sometimes, the darkness, confusion, doubt or lack of progress we see in our lives is the one that will release the key we need to unlock that uncontainable rush of favour for us to walk in purpose. If only we could see them, not for the thunder that rumbles behind them nor the lightning that strikes so shockingly, but for the torrents of water that will flow forth bringing life everywhere they go. For every gift is from the Lord and is sent purposefully to bring life to all.

Yes, when the heat is on or the clouds fill up, we sometimes doubt that He is there all the way or even yet, feel like it is taking too long; take courage and remember, we are not given a spirit of fear, but of courage, of love and a sound mind. Even at those times when we feel like we are failing and getting lost along the way, remember, He works ALL things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. And when our imperfections show forth their gory claws, remember, we are perfected by grace and His grace is always sufficient for our hour of need.

My Lady, take your position in prayer; get set in righteousness and remember, our God has the keys and He won’t deny you. Stay the process and be ready for your testimony! Unlock the uncontainable!

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” John 6: 68